The league has taken a considerable step forward heading into its third season introducing a five-point Classification System to provide equal opportunity for people with disability and impairment to participate in the game. Players were classified over the course of three Open Days run through February, by Lisa Chaffey and Don Perriman.

Chaffey has been appointed VWFL Chief Classifier and will continue to assess the framework over the course of the season to ensure it meets the needs of the league and its participants.

Disability Programs Manager Scott Nicholas said the Robert Rose Foundation Victorian Wheelchair Football League is a great opportunity for wheelchair users to experience football in an elite environment.

“We’ve had two fantastic seasons of the VWFL, and with the introduction of classification and some new faces, we’re looking forward to building upon that success in 2020,” Mr Nicholas said.

The sport of AFL Wheelchair is fully inclusive, meaning people with or without a physical disability or impairment are welcome to play. Although the sport is played on an indoor basketball court, and a handball is the equivalent of a kick, many of the traditional Australian Football rules still apply.

With increasing interest in the Robert Rose Foundation Victorian Wheelchair Football League, AFL Victoria aims to work closely with each AFL Club and Disability Sport & Recreation, to provide community engagement and participation opportunities to grow and develop the sport of AFL Wheelchair in Victoria.